Monday, July 27, 2009

Houston to Host 2010 MLS All-Star Game

Here's the Official Press Release from the Houston Dynamo:

HOUSTON, TX (Monday, July 27, 2009) -- Major League Soccer announced today that Houston, home of the two-time MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo, will host the 2010 MLS All-Star Game next summer. MLS Commissioner Don Garber joined Dynamo President / General Manager Oliver Luck in Park City, Utah to make the announcement.

The city of Houston will host the 15th annual All-Star Game, with either Robertson Stadium or Reliant Stadium to be selected as the host venue at a later date. The 2010 MLS All-Star Game will be the seventh time the MLS All-Stars will take on a high-profile international club, continuing the tradition of “MLS Takes on the World.” The 2010 All-Star Game will take place after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but the date and opponent will be announced early next year.

“The city of Houston has consistently and fervently supported the Dynamo and other high-profile soccer events in recent years,” Garber said. “Houston will be a tremendous site for the 2010 MLS All-Star Game, and we are pleased to reward its vibrant soccer community with the week of festivities that surround this marquee event.”

After moving from San Jose in 2005, the Houston Dynamo have had tremendous success, winning MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007 and finishing first or second in the Western Conference each of the three seasons. Last season, the team averaged about 17,000 fans per game in the regular season and drew more than 30,000 for its home playoff game, as it did for two playoff games in 2007.

“We are very proud to be hosting the MLS All Star game in 2010,” Luck said. “Our selection as the host city is a true testament to the fans and the unique soccer culture that makes Houston one of the top soccer markets in the country.”

The MLS All-Star Game is a showcase of the league’s brightest talents on the field. It gives soccer fans from around the world a chance to see MLS’ best compete with some of the world’s most well renowned clubs. Since 2003, the MLS All-Stars have faced and defeated West Ham United (England), CD Guadalajara (Mexico), Fulham FC (England), Chelsea FC (England), and Celtic FC (Scotland), and are set to battle Everton FC (England) July 29 at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium in the 2009 mid-summer event.

Fans from throughout North America and across the globe are expected to travel to Texas to take in the game and surrounding All-Star festivities, such as the MLS Soccer Jam that will take place during All-Star Week. Ticket information will be available in the coming months through www.houstondynamo.com, the official Web site of the Houston Dynamo.

The Dynamo will next be in action on Saturday, August 1, when they host D.C. United at Robertson Stadium.